MBA THESIS

GUIDE ON THESIS STRUCTURE(June 09 version)

1. INTRODUCTION

This document sets out the guidelines for the format and the structure of the MBA thesis.

2. THE FORMAT

2.1 Front page (2 pages)It is recommended to insert a blank page after the front page. This unnumbered sheet will prevent the text of the following page from showing through the white space on the title page.

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MBA THESIS

THESIS TITLE

THESIS METHODOLOGY (please tick one)QUANTITATIVE QUALITATIVE MIXED (QUANT & QUAL)

SUPERVISOR’S NAME INTAKE AND GROUP NUMBER

STUDENT ID: COUNTERPART:Kuwait

THESES SUBMISSION DEADLINE SUBMISSION DATE

This statement should be completed and signed by the student producing the thesis.Declaration and Statement of Authorship:

1. I hold a copy of this thesis, which can be produced if the original is lost/damaged.2. This thesis is my original work and no part of it has been copied from any other student’s work or from any

other source except where due acknowledgement is made.3. No part of this thesis has been written for me by any other person except where such collaboration has been

authorised by the supervisor concerned and is clearly acknowledged in the thesis. 4. I have not previously submitted or currently submitting this work for any other thesis.5. This work may be reproduced, communicated, compared and archived for the purpose of detecting

plagiarism.6. I give permission for a copy of my marked work to be retained by the School for review and comparison,

including review by external examiners.

I understand that:

7. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is considered cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead up to expulsion from the program. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited.

8. Enabling plagiarism is the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your work.

Last Name First Name Signature

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MBA THESIS

Front page

TITLE TITLE TITLE TITLE TITLE

SUBTITLE SUBTITLE SUBTITLE

BY

NAME NAME NAME

(KUWAIT)

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

Masters of Business Administration (MBA) of the Maastricht School of

Management (MSM), Maastricht, the Netherlands,

Month --- 200-

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2.2. The Abstract and Key Words

The Thesis will include an Abstract of about 250 words presenting a synopsis of the thesis. Note that the Abstract is not just another version of the Introduction chapter, but a brief overview of the whole thesis. That is why it is usual to write it last of all.Five key words describing the knowledge fields and domains of the Thesis should follow the Abstract.

2.3 The text

The main text of the paper has to be separated into well-defined divisions, such as parts, chapters, subchapters, sections, and subsections. The text may also include parenthetical references, footnotes, or subscript numbers keyed to a reference list or list of endnotes.

The words PART, CHAPTER, SECTION, etc should be written in bold, capital letters. The generic heading of a part/chapter consists of the word PART/CHAPTER followed by a number. The number may either be spelled out, in capital letters, or given in the form of a numeral (Arabic or uppercase roman). The form in which the chapter number is expressed should be different from the form in which the part number is expressed (PART TWO, CHAPTER 1). The word PART has to be centred. The regular text has to be written in full lines. In case you started a chapter/subchapter at the end of the page and only two lines can fit, then you should insert a page break. Subchapters, subsections, etc have to be placed one tab to the inside, and so forth.

Example:

PART TWOCHAPTER 1

1.11.1.1

2.3.1. Length.

The research is supposed to result in a written report of about 55 typed pages (around 15,000/20,000 words) in which the problem formulation is elaborated and in which the thesis has been methodologically worked out by means of adequate research. The student does not receive extra credit for more than 55 pages, and significant page overage may actually detract from his/her grade.

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2.3.2. Letter type preferredPaper Size A4 formatFont Type Times New RomanFont Style NormalFont Size 14 for Headings, 12 for other textLeft Margin 2.54 cm, or 1 inchRight Margin 2.54 cm, or 1 inchTop Margin 2.54 cm, or 1 inchBottom Margin 2.54 cm, or 1 inchHeader 1.27 cm, or 0.5 inchFooter 1.27 cm, or 0.5 inchLine Spacing 1.5

2.4 Tables / Sources under Tables

Tables efficiently organize and compress data into standardized form. Every table should be given an Arabic number and a title. All text references to a table should be by number, not by an introductory phrase. It is necessary to give each numbered table a title. A table may occupy the full width of the page or, if the number and width of columns permit, less than the full width. In either case each table must be centred horizontally upon the page. When a table is long and narrow, then double it up in equal parts and place them side by side. Separate the two parts by a vertical double line. If a table is too wide for the page, it should be turned lengthwise, i.e. landscape. No text should be placed on a page containing a broadside table. In the list of tables, the table numbers should be placed in a column flush left under the heading “Table”, and the page numbers should be listed flush right under the heading “Page”. For each table the source should be mentioned under the table.

2.5 Footnotes and Endnotes

The place in the text at which a note is introduced, whether a footnote or endnote, reference or content, should be marked with an Arabic numeral typed slightly above the line (superscript). The note number should always follow the passage to which it refers. Notes should be arranged in numerical order at the foot of the page (footnote) or at the end of the paper (endnotes).

2.6 Page numbering and abbreviations

The page numbers have to be centered at the bottom of the page. It is preferred not to use abbreviations, other than those that are commonly accepted. When using abbreviations, a list of abbreviations should be arranged alphabetically by the abbreviation itself, not the spelled-out term.

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2.7 Appendix

An appendix is a group of related items. It is a useful device to make available to the reader material related to the text but not suitable for inclusion in the text. All appendices go at the end of the thesis report, never at the end of the chapters to which they may pertain. Materials of different categories should be placed in separate appendices. Where there is more than one appendix, each appendix should be given a number or a letter. The word APPENDIX should be written in capital letters and should not be abbreviated.

3. THE STRUCTURE

The following is a guideline for the Thesis contents in terms of its structure. There is a brief explanation of each of the major parts of the thesis, supplied only as guide. Obviously, not all explanations will fit all types of topics, so students will have to adapt and adjust, in accordance with their own topic.

Cover PageAcknowledgment iAbstract iiTable of Contents iiiList of Figures ivList of Tables vList of Abbreviations vi

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The introductory chapter must detail the impetus for the investigation and must provide the rationale for undertaking the research. The chapter introduces the reader to your subject and is meant to give an overall idea of your project, including your objectives, what you did, and how you did it. This must be very briefly written, as the details will come later. The importance of this chapter lies in the fact that it should summarise your whole project. Any reader who picks up your work in the library should be able to decide whether or not he or she is interested in it after reading your Introduction. So, chapter one is a brief description to your work and the strategy you have used to conduct your research. The chapter must also present the structure and organization of the thesis, i.e. a brief outline of each chapter.

Suggested Contents:

1.1 An Overview1.2 Relevance of this thesis to the country of Kuwait *1.3 Problem Definition1.4 Research Objective1.5 Research Questions1.6 Research Methodology (a brief summary of point 3.6 below)1.7 Data Analysis Method1.8 Thesis Structure

* This section is part of the Country Relevant Topic (CRT). It should summarize the relevance of the thesis to Kuwait. Aspects which may be touched upon are: the economy, public sector, public policy, instititutions and various aspects of management in Kuwait. Length of this section: 300 to 600 words.

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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW (OR STATE-OF-THE-ART)

The review of critical literature must of necessity entail a review of relevant academic literature in any of the disciplines/ courses taught in the MBA programme. At the least, the literature must be cogently described using positions already available in the literature.

This chapter should include a mention (but not a detailed explanation) to the relevant theories and models that have been used for similar cases or studies. The chapter should talk about the variables in connection with the models or theories stated in the literatures. It should also include a mention to the authors who worked in similar studies and their findings. (only if relevant to the student’s topic).

Suggested Contents:

You might structure this chapter around one or more of the following parts:

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Each chapter should begin with an introduction that links with the preceding chapter and introduces the reader to the contents of the chapter.

2.2 BACKGROUND/OVERVIEW OF THE MACRO ENVIRONMENT IN KUWAIT *

* This section is part of the Country Relevant Topic (CRT). It should describe the macro context of the research topic in accordance with the literature. Aspects which may be touched upon are: the institutional framework, the legal framework, the technological framework, etc (for example: the institutional framework for internet banking in Kuwait). It should contain just description, no discussion. Length of this section: 450 to 900 words.

2.3 BACKGROUND/ OVERVIEW OF THE ABC BUSINESS/ INDUSTRY/ SECTOR

This section will include general information about the business (e.g. if you are talking about an airline, you should talk about this business world wide, some statistics will be very beneficial. Using statistical data will help you to talk about the trends (e.g. the booming or the decline of the business). Also, you should state your time span, i.e. you should explain what time span is covered by your study.

The objective of this section is to shed the light on the important events that the ABC business has faced in the past and those it might face in the future. Opinions of different studies and authors are very helpful for understanding the current status of the ABC particular.

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2.4 OVERVIEW ABOUT THE XYZ MODEL / FRAMEWORK (Theoretical Part)

XYZ can be a theory/model (Competency Model, Customer Loyalty, Job Satisfaction, Motivation), can also be a process (like training design/evaluation, Knowledge Management, R&D) or a tool/ methodology (e.g. Balanced Scorecard) that you are intending to use in your thesis. Do not forget that when you say that XYZ is the solution (or part of the solution) of the problem faced by the business you will have to explain why. Here is the place to talk about the evolution/ objective/ usage of the models/ theory /technique etc. Some definitions (only the most important) can help the reader understand the model/ theory /techniques/ process. Here you can talk about different candidates of models/theories etc and explain why you have selected that one you are using in your theoretical framework.

2.5 CASES (Practical Part/Best Practices)

This section will discuss any cases (world-wide) in the same/similar sector/field that have used the XYZ approach in the past. This is the place to pinpoint the failed and the successful cases. Comparison between different cases is very helpful to show the factors that may have been involved in the failure or the success of a particular case. Those factors may become your base in the building up of the methodological framework in chapter 3. Any variable (or factor) that will appear in your theoretical framework in chapter 3 should be mentioned in this section (directly or indirectly).

Note: All above parts/sections MUST be supported by secondary sources (literature). That is why this chapter called literature review.

2.6 YOUR OWN BUSINESS CASE

(This section can be introduced instead of or in addition to the previous section - 2.4 CASES - Practical Part/Best Practices)

In this section you will be talking about the signs/symptoms/motivations that have led you to choose your particular management problem. You need to show evidence that those signs/symptoms exist and are valid (i.e. not just the result of your own perception). To do so, secondary data/information, like reports, documents as well as previous studies will be needed. However, if you find it difficult to get this kind of information from secondary sources, primary data must be collected from experts in the field. The information needed at this point may be collected through informal/unstructured interviews with the people that you think will give you the information you are looking for. Your personal experience (or observation) will also be an important source of information.

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For example, in a study on the role of information technology in the hospitality industry, the literature review might include the following:

(i) a brief account of the developments in the hospitality industry.(ii) a brief discussion of the main information technology developments in the

industry.(iii) the trends and developments relating to the IT industry.(iv) the views of the experts in the field of IT and Hospitality as reflected in

textbooks and journals.

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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

There is a need to select an appropriate research design that corresponds with the research problem. The research design is the structure of research that links the empirical data to be collected to the study’s initial research questions and ultimately to its conclusions. It involves an empirical investigation of phenomena within their real life context using multiple sources of evidence.

Suggested Contents (if you are using a quantitative method):

3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

3.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

3.4 METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK(The proposed Model must be justified and described in all its details and must be adjusted according to the type of research you have carried out)

3.4.1 Major Research Question

(In some detail, explain how you reached this question and in what sense it is linked to your objective and problem)

3.4.2 Minor Research Questions

3.4.3 Hypotheses (A testable proposition about the relationship between two or more variables)

3.4.4 Dependent variables (including definitions)

3.4.5 Independent Variables (including definitions)

3.4.6 Moderating Variables (if any, including definitions)

3.4.7 Intervening Variables (if any, including definitions)

In defining the variables, the possible effects on the dependent variables must be referred to with expressions such as “it might be”, “it is hypothesized” or “it is assumed”

3.4.8 Assumptions (List of the assumed conditions, and why, you assumed them).

All assumption must to be supported by secondary data (literatures), or by primary data (interviews).

3.4.9 Limitations (List of limited variables, with a justification)

The limitations have to be realistic and must deal with all types of factors that you think will limit your research.

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3.5 RESEARCH DESIGN

The research design takes into account the following considerations.

the size of the random sample in relation to the target population. the number and the nature of the variables which are researched. the time available and the methods of data collection to be used.

3.5.1 Target Population and Sampling Methods (Justification should be detailed)

3.5.2 Data Collection Instrument and Source (Data series/Questionnaire/Interviews Questions)

3.6 DATA ANALYSIS METHODS (Data/Information Requirement Table)

This is the operationalisation of all model variables that need to be measured. Also the type and scale of the data has to be mentioned (quantitative, qualitative, ordinal, nominal, ratio, …) as well as the tests that will be used for each and every formulated and developed hypothesis. All the methods for data analysis must be mentioned and justified. Do not also forget to state at which significance level you are going to test. This is also the part where you justify the survey questions you have chosen.

Suggested Contents (if you are using a qualitative method):

3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

3.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

3.4 METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK

(The proposed framework must be justified and described in all its details and must be adjusted according to the type of research you have carried out)

3.4.1 Major Research Question

(In some detail, explain how you reached this question and in what sense it is linked to your objective and problem)

3.4.2 Minor Research Questions

3.4.3 Propositions

3.4.4 Target Population and Sampling Methods (Justification should be detailed)

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3.5 RESEARCH DESIGN

This takes into account the following considerations.

the size of the random sample in relation to the target population. the number and the nature of the variables which are researched. the time available and the methods of data collection to be used.

3.5.1 Target Population and Sampling Methods (Justification should be detailed)

A sample is the group unit that is investigated by the researcher. Thus there is a need to clearly define the group of empirical units amongst which data are to be sought. The Sample needs to be representative, i.e. the sample must reflect, in all relevant details, the population about which the researcher wishes to make a statement.

3.5.2 Data Collection Instrument and Source

You need to state how the actual data was collected and any special influences that may have affected the results. Data sources could be direct and/or indirect:

a) Direct data sources/primary dataRefers to data derived from the researcher’s own perceptions. Sources:

Recorded material Verbal and non-verbal behaviour

b) Indirect data sourcesRefers to information that has been collected by other institutions and researchers. It is available and accessible and the sources of such information/data include:

- Official statistical material e.g. Central Statistical Office, Annual Reports- Scientific publications- Data files from past research

In-depth interviews

The interviews involve face-to-face interaction and this enables probing, repetition and elucidation. A key considerations is that the respondent is free to respond at length in his/her own words. Informants can be interviewed on an individual basis or in focus groups.

Focus groups Archive material Observation (participant or non-participant)

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Involves observing phenomenon in order to gain insight into how and why they happen. It is based on real events you observe actual behaviour, not verbal responses as in a questionnaire

3.6 DATA ANALYSIS METHOD(S)

Data needs to be analysed with the aim of uncovering emergent themes and to see if these patterns support or refute the propositions. The use of contemporary software such as NUD*IST (Non-numerical Unstructured Data Indexing Searching and Theorising) can be considered more appropriate for large-scale studies or for structured interviews

There are other methods which do not necessarily require the use of software. These can be:

CategorisationThis involves classifying data into meaningful categories which may be derived from the data or from your theoretical framework. There are three main sources from which the category’s names can be derived:

- Terms or expressions that emerge from the data analysis- Terms or expressions used by the participants or interviewees (“in vivo”

codes)- Terms or expressions used in the literature

“Unitising of Data”This means that your textual data (e.g. your interviews) must be organized around “units”, which represent key ideas, concepts or categories. A unit of data may be a number of words, a number of sentences, a complete paragraph or some other chunk of textual data.

Recognizing relationships and developing categoriesThis is usually carried out with the help of matrices, where you look for the most appropriate relationships between your key categories. This analysis will continue as you search for new categories and patterns or relationships between them.

Testing propositionsThe relationships between categories or units of data contain the answers to the propositions with which you have started your research. If the relationships are deemed to be valid, then your propositions can be accepted.

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CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS, FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter should provide the empirical evidence, findings and analysis based on the questionnaire/interviews/case studies etc. The propositions/hypothesis ought to be tested and findings discussed. Although this chapter can be split, it is usually best to incorporate findings and analysis together. The research must interpret findings sensitively as a basis for making recommendations that are practicable and sound. Ideally the research must reflect serious effort or contribution to knowledge in any of the disciplines taught in the MBA programme. There should be minimum literature references in this chapter as these are the researchers findings.

4.1 DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS (for quantitative research)

It includes description of the collected data. Here, you may want to start with the reliability test for the data collection instrument (questionnaire) by reporting Cronbach alpha. Then show the relevant Histograms, Frequency tables (e.g. Pie Chart), etc and you should also comment on the results (but be careful, you are describing here the sample and not yet the population).

Note: At the beginning of each section (in which you will be describing the variables/factor), you may start by referring to the research question (minor) or the Hypothesis explaining to the reader that you are going to test this hypothesis and/or answer that question.

4.2 INFERENTIAL DATA ANALYSIS (for quantitative research)

This section is about testing the Hypotheses you have mentioned in chapter 3. All p-values have to be mentioned and reported for each test. You should comment and justify why you rejected or fail-to-rejected a particular hypothesis.

Sometime, you may not have any option but to use the descriptive analysis to answer the research questions. It can happen, but you have to mention that the results still can only be valid for the sample and can only be generalized for the population with the proof that the sample size/selection has little effect on the results.

Do not be disappointed if some or many of the hypotheses have been fail-to-rejected. This may be due to:

- The survey questions not well designed, formulated or understood by the respondents- Respondents being careless or not serious in answering the questions- The sample size (collected questionnaires) was not large enough

Whatever the case maybe, the researcher must report the truth whatever the results are.

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4.2 DATA ANALYSIS (for qualitative research)

In case of qualitative research paradigm in which hypothesis testing is rarely found, rather it is about propositions testing. The researcher has to rely mainly on his/her explanations and interpretation. The analysis may be centred on propositions informed by the extant literature and the approach seeks to confirm or refute these propositions through empirical evidence.

The beginning of qualitative analysis is the description of the event, the activity and perceptions of participants, and the context in which the event occurs. This may involve detailed case study write-ups for each site and may include company histories and backgrounds. The overall idea is to become intimately familiar with each case as a stand-alone entity. This process allows the unique patterns of each case to emerge.

To avoid the danger of hastily drawing conclusions, there is a need to look at the data in many divergent ways. This approach allows the researcher to look for subtle similarities and differences between cases. Another approach is to divide the data by its source, observational data and reviewing interview data separately, guided by propositions.

From the within-site analysis, cross-site tactics and overall impressions, tentative themes, patterns and concepts begin to emerge. The approaches employed for cross-case pattern searching involve selecting categories, and then looking for within-group similarities coupled with inter-group differences.

In order to compare and contrast the patterns in different organisations, the cases are integrated together. Responses to the same questions are compared to establish similarities and differences between both employees and management. It is important to establish whether people are emphasising different themes or not, in what respect the responses are complementary, whether there was agreement between what both management and employees were saying and whether synthesis was possible.

Analysis comprises an iterative process whereby emergent themes are formulated, examined against existing theories, and re-formulated. Detailed analysis is conducted to discover additional themes and concepts and build toward an overall explanation. The goal is to integrate the themes and concepts into a theory that offers an accurate, detailed and yet subtle interpretation of the research.

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4.3 DISCUSSION AND FINDINGS

Here you have to compile and link your research results with your research objectives, in order to answer your research questions. You must also refer to the literature in chapter 2, in order to support your findings. Do not forget that this chapter is your own ground, i.e. you should use your own language and opinion in the interpretation of the results, of course with the support of the literature. It is also about benchmarking your results with respect to the results and the finding from the other literatures. There is a need to ascertain whether your findings are in conformity or contradiction with the extant literature and give further explanation why this is so.

4.4 DISCUSSION OF THE FINDINGS IN TERMS OF THE CONTEXT OF KUWAIT *

* This section is part of the Country Relevant Topic (CRT). It should link the research topic to the macro contextual framework of the thesis described in Chapter 2. It should also contain a discussion about the implications of the research findings on the macro contextual framework. Length of this section: 450 to 900 words.

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CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND FURTHER RESEARCH

The chapter presents the conclusions of the study, including their theoretical and managerial implications. Recommendations are also made for further research.

5.1 CONCLUSION

You should start this section by reminding the reader of the problem and the objective of your research. Then, you should summarize the most important findings (from chapter 4) and, finally, give your answers to the major research question(s).

5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

This is where you make your recommendations (based on the findings) for the organization, the business, the industry, the customers, etc. Make sure that all recommendations have come from the research that you have done. Do not surprise the readers with recommendations that are coming from somewhere else, i.e. not related to your research This be understood that your research has not added any new knowledge and that you could have reached the same conclusions without conducting your research -- (very dangerous). Also try to be objective, pragmatic and realistic in your recommendations. You can also classify your recommendations based on the groups that they are addressed to (Government, Management, Company’s Shareholders, Employees, ….etc)

5.3 COUNTRY-RELEVANT RECOMMENDATIONS *

* This section is part of the Country Relevant Topic (CRT). It should describe the contribution or the impact of the thesis to the country of Kuwait. Length of this section: 300 to 600 words.

5.4 FURTHER RESEARCH

This section is intended for you to suggest improvement or new ideas, but it must come from current research. Do not forget that the source for such ideas and improvement may be the assumptions and limitations that you have mentioned in chapter 3. Suggested for further research is always welcome.

For further details, please refer to the MsM Master’s Thesis Manual which is available on the KMBS website/ course outlines/ thesis guidelines.

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6. REFERENCES

Please follow the guide on Harvard System for referencing.

Any country-relevant references should be integrated with the remaining ones.

APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRE OR/AND INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

APPENDIX B: MAY BE A GLOSSARY FOR ALL IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

APPENDIX C: …..

BIOGRAPHY

A very short biography, which includes your birth date, your education path and your career path to date. This takes around one paragraph (10-12 lines)

BOOK LIST ON RESEARCH METHODS FOR MANAGEMENT OR BUSINESS STUDIES

EASTERBY-SMITH, M.; THORPE, R.; LOWE, A. (2002). Management Research: an introduction. London: SageGILL, J.; JOHNSON, P. (1997). Research Methods for Managers. London: Paul ChapmanGUMMESSON, E. (2000). Qualitative Methods in Management Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SageHACKL EY, C. (2003). Doing Research Projects in Marketing, Management and Consumer Research. London: RoutledgePARTINGTON, D. (ed) (2002) Essential Skills for Management Research. London: SageSAUNDERS, M.; LEWIS, P.; THORNHILL, A. (2003). Research Methods for Business Students. Harlow, UK: Financial Times/Prentice HallTHIÉTART et al (2001) Doing Management Research: a comprehensive guide. London: SageVAN DER VELDE, M.; JANSEN, P.; ANDERSON, N. (2004). Guide to Management Research Methods. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing

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